2 minute read
Introduction
Rijswijk, The Netherlands, May 2021
Adapting to a new world
What a difference a year makes. 2020 was supposed to be the year of the launch of our redesigned GMP+ Feed Certification scheme. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to adjust our plans. But we managed to overcome challenges with innovations from which we will benefit for many years to come.
It was a coincidence that our new e-learning module about HACCP was launched right around the start of the pandemic. The online test was developed pre-corona, and came in handy when worldwide lockdowns made remote working mandatory. But with everybody suddenly barred from traveling, suddenly we needed much more than one e-learning module to stay in touch with our community.
Remote working
After the initial shock and accompanying questions, it didn’t take too long to adapt to a new reality. Within mere weeks, everybody was working from their homes, webinars replaced seminars, meetings and committees took place digitally, and along with our Certification Bodies we introduced remote company audits.
We are extremely thankful for the flexibility and professionalism displayed by our employees, certified companies, certification bodies, auditors, partners and stakeholders. Because of everybody’s best efforts, we succeeded – despite all challenges – in making progress towards our shared goal of Feed Safety Worldwide.
Scheme redesign and continued growth
Most important in this regard was the finalising of our scheme redesign. In 2020, we completed this multi-year project to provide our community with a scheme that is more clear and more goal-oriented. This results in a scheme that better aligns with the needs of certified companies and the demands of the modern-day feed industry.
Last year we saw another increase in the number of GMP+ FSA certified companies, including in countries with historically lower participation, like Spain and France. We also noticed continued growth in markets like Russia, Asia and Latin America. The GMO-Controlled standard, which we started in 2019, was responsible for most of the growth within GMP+ FRA, although interest remains largely concentrated to Germany.
Lessons learned
Webinars allowed us to get our message across in an accessible and efficient way. We were able to discuss topics and share ideas with attendants from all over the world, even though we were continents apart. Because of the pandemic, we made great strides in our digital services, and plan to continue innovating and growing in this field in the coming years.
Crises, in whatever shape or size they come, have the ability to expose both strengths and weaknesses. Looking at it this way, 2020 was certainly a year of learning. And if last year showed us one thing, it is the importance of versatility. Because of the adjustments we made, we have now more tools at our disposal than ever before to work together, share knowledge and promote feed safety.
Roland van der Post - Operations Director
Johan den Hartog Managing Director
